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Sermons
Welcome to Rimutaka Baptist sermons. Join us for Worship Services every Sunday at 10 AM. We upload the sermons to YouTube by 5:30 PM Sunday evenings for those who are unable to make it to church. All our sermons are available for viewing on our YouTube channel, but you can also click on the videos included in the sermon blog posts below.
Join us as we explore the beauty of Psalm 91. The Psalmist reassures us that we are under God’s protection when we make the Most High our dwelling-place. But how do we make God our dwelling place? A good place to start is to love God, to place all our trust in Him and toContinue reading “2022-01-02 Sermon – Safe with God”
It’s finally here! The day we celebrate the coming of Jesus at Christmas time. Christmas for many of us is a time to reminisce about our childhood, and as people of faith, a time to be reminded that it is Jesus who should have priority at Christmas and all the days that follow.
This Sunday we celebrate the fourth Sunday of Advent by looking at the theme of Love. We learn some interesting aspects of Godly Love that will help us to change our mindsets and lead us into living a more Kingdom life!
This Sunday we celebrate the third Sunday in Advent by lighting the Joy candle. Today we focus on the joy felt by the Shepherds and observe the haste with which they left everything behind to seek out the Messiah. What are the ways in which we can keep our eyes on Jesus this Christmas?
This Sunday we celebrate the second Sunday in Advent – Peace. God’s peace is so unlike the peace that the world offers, how can we grasp the peace that the Prince of Peace gives especially during the storms of life.
This Sunday we celebrate the first Sunday in Advent – Hope. We are just as in need of God’s hope today as the people of God were back then. One thing that is different is that we know God fulfilled His promises with Jesus and because of that we have everything to hope for inContinue reading “2021-11-28 Sermon – Hope”
This Sunday we look at the spiritual disciple of submission and how it can help us navigate the complex issues of our day. God’s word is alive and active and able to inform our way ahead at any time and so we must submit, first and foremost to His way and then let that influenceContinue reading “2021-11-21 Sermon – Submission”
This Sunday, we focus on another spiritual disciple – “Sabbath.” Instituted by God, Sabbath is something that should be of utmost important to us. It is a time to put God first and rest in His presence from our labours, worries and fears.
This morning we continue on with our sermon series looking at the spiritual disciplines. In particular Act 2, where we see the disciples learning, fellowshipping together, breaking bread and praying. How might we make this a part of our lives.
The Sunday we start a new sermon series on the spiritual disciplines. In recent weeks we have been covering Prayer and Self Denial and so it seemed appropriate to begin with prayer and prayer as the Lord Jesus taught us.
This week we look at the last theme of NZBMS’ Prayer and Self-Denial appeal, “The Mordecai Movement.” So very pertinent in our time I think. What injustices are we called to stand up for, for the sake of the Kingdom?
Just a quick note to say there will be no videos for the next two weeks as our video editor takes a break. This Sunday, we begin our engagement with NZBMS’s Prayer and Self-Denial appeal. The mission of God is all around us, but often we lose our focus on what God is doing andContinue reading “2021-10-03 Sermon – Prayer and Self Denial – Part One”
This Sunday we come to the end of our sermon series in 1 Peter where we see firefighters have a lot in common with Christian’s in the midst of fiery ordeals as Peter calls it. We look at how spiritual maturity and spiritual disciplines can help us to become strong and resilient in the faith.
This Sunday, we continue on with our sermon series in 1 Peter by looking at chapter four. Here we learn that all the sub-calls within our grand “call” to be a Christian result in a life lived for God. Stay tuned for an image filled look at what it means to live an embodied SpiritualContinue reading “2021-09-19 Sermon – Living for God”
This Sunday we continue in our sermon series in 1 Peter by looking at Chapter 3. Here Peter unpacks what behaviours aught to characterise Christian relationships as we move closer to Jesus.
This Sunday we continue with Peter’s first letter by looking at the remainder of Chapter 2. In particular we will focus on the call to submit and the call to suffer which we find in the example of a slave’s relationship with his or her master. How might following Jesus help us to resolve theContinue reading “2021-09-05 Sermon – The Call”
This Sunday we continue our sermon series in 1 Peter by learning what it means to be a Christian who lives in the world but is not of the world. Peter gives us some real practical advice on how we can live in the freedom and contradictions as sojourners in the land.
This week as we have church online we continue to look at 1 Peter. This time the first part of chapter two tells us we need to seek pure spiritual milk so that we can grown in salvation for we are God’s chosen people, a Holy Priesthood.
Today we celebrated Rimutaka Baptist’s 60th Anniversary! God has been faithful and we are very grateful. The sermon is based on 1 Peter 1, where we read about the incredible Living Hope we have in Christ.
In this week’s sermon, we answer the following questions raised by the Rimutaka Baptist Church congregation: 1. Did Adam and Eve have bellybuttons? 2. Why does God allow pain, suffering and injustice in the world? 3. What does it mean to pray in the Spirit, and how does this differ from normal prayer?
This Sunday we come to the grand finale of Ephesians. Paul’s letter closes with a wonderful description of how we can fight the battles of the Faith. Join me as we dive deep into the meaning behind this wonderful and informative set of verses.
This Sunday John Gunn preaches a message on salvation and the Christian walk. Our salvation in Christ is guaranteed. Sometimes however we can get lost in the wilderness of life, and think we have lost our way, potentially even lost God Himself. But God is still there, we are just confused, it is time toContinue reading “2021-07-18 Sermon – Not Lost, Just Confused”
This week we continue on in our sermon series in Ephesians by looking at what a day in the life of a Christian Soldier might look like before we put on our armor. Our minds and hearts must be focused on Christ. We need to know who we are and how to fight so thatContinue reading “2021-07-11 Sermon – A day in the life of a Christian Soldier”
This Sunday we continue on in our sermon series by looking at part one of Chapter 4. Paul urges us to live a life worth of the calling you have received. We are going to learn that our well-being and well-doing are connected and that if we focus on these two areas in our faithContinue reading “2021-07-04 Sermon – Well-Being and Well-Doing”
This week we continue our sermon series in Ephesians and look at chapter 3. Here we see that Paul’s weakness is what qualifies him to preach the gospel. Paul’s weakness contrasted with the power of God is what proves his message to be authentic. This same power dwells in us, building us up in ChristContinue reading “2021-06-26 Sermon – What Dwells Within”
This Sunday we continue to look at Ephesians 1 and 2. Last week, we learnt how important it is to find our identity in Christ, to leave behind the old way of living for the rich new royal life we have inherit through Christ. Today we discuss how we can come together as individuals toContinue reading “2021-06-20 Sermon – Remember to Re-Member”
Today we begin a new sermon series in Ephesians. To begin with, Paul wants the Ephesians to know who they are. Their identity is now in Christ, they have a rich inheritance, empowered by God to be His people and His Church.
Join us today as Paul brings a message on how so often God speaks and we fail to listen. What truth should we be aware of in scripture and how will they help us to overcome doubt in the hard times.
We continue on in our sermon series in Colossians by looking at Paul’s instructions to households. We look first at the historical context which will then help us to discern what learnings we should apply in our modern context.
This Pentecost Sunday we continue our sermon series in Colossians by looking at chapter 3. Apprentices of Jesus are to know what it means to be image bearers and how to avoid idolatry and negative behaviours that impact ourselves and others. We also have some wonderful poetry by members of our Church.
This week we continue on in our sermon series in Colossians by looking at Chapter 2. We look at what it means to have Christ dwell in us. How does the Holy Spirit renovate our hearts and what part do we have to play in the process. It’s Grand Designs: Jesus Edition!
Today we continue our sermon series in Colossians and look at the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ. Making this a part of our lives will help us to mature in the faith and make us into better apprentices where Jesus is a part of everything we do.
Join us today as we begin a new sermon series looking at what it means to be an apprentice to Jesus. We begin with Paul’s letter to the Colossians where He encourages the church to focus on their spiritual maturity, this will help them to face any challenges with endurance and patience.
This Sunday we come to the end of our sermon series in John with a particularly special encounter between Jesus and Peter. Peter is reinstated as shepherd and leader of the early church. What can we learn today if Jesus was to ask us the same questions, how might we participate in His grand story,Continue reading “2021-04-18 Sermon – The Three “I Love You’s””
This week we look at the encounters Jesus had with His disciples including Mary and Thomas. What if any insights or lessons can we gain that will help us move ahead in our faith journeys as we begin to allow the Risen Christ to be at work within us.
When we come to Easter nowadays, we know how it all turned out, so it’s quite different for us than it was for people at the time. In this sermon, we look at how people – some good and some bad– would have experienced the first Easter.
Today is Palm Sunday. In the sermon today we look at the account of John in Chapter 12 and we unpack what it might look like to welcome Jesus into our lives as King and how we might make the cross the center of our lives as we move beyond Easter.
So often in our faith life we spend most of our time “consuming” God. But we are not meant to have a one sided relationship, so as we are nearing Easter, we take timeout as a church to focus solely on worshiping God by participating in the stations of the Cross. Join us and followContinue reading “2021-03-21 Sermon – Stations of the Cross”
This week we continue our sermon series in John by looking at Chapter 13 where Jesus washed the feet of the disciples. We learn about what is means to be servant-hearted and love in a way God has called us too. We address the subject of pride and how by following four movements of love,Continue reading “2021-03-14 Sermon – Call to be Servants”
This Sunday we look at John Chapter 17 and take an intimate look into a personal prayer of Jesus. A prayer Jesus prays to the Father and for His disciples and us. Yes did you know Jesus prayed for you in this prayer!
This week we continue on in our sermon series in John looking at the rest of chapter 16. Jesus is preparing His disciples for His death and resurrection. We gain an important insight into how we should adjust our thinking and put what we have learnt about the gospel into practice; this will see usContinue reading “2021-02-28 Sermon – Thinking Well”
In this week’s Sermon we look at John 16:5-15. Jesus tells the disciples what to expect when He leaves. They are overcome by grief and so do not ask the right question. Jesus challenges them to focus on what will come after He leaves. The answer is truly wonderful!
In this week’s sermon Jesus warns and teaches his disciples about the persecution they are to expect by being followers of His. We look at His core teachings and how we as the church can be prepared for when we face persecution now and in the future.
In today’s sermon we learnt what it means to be connected to the True Vine. The importance of obedience came to light once again. It is only through obedience that we keep our connection to God. We will also look at Jesus’ challenge to us to love each other.
Today we continue with our sermon series in John and look at Chapter 14:15-31. In this passage the role of the Father, Son and Spirit are unpacked for us and we begin to see how each person helps us to unite heart and will. We learn that the secret weapon Jesus uses to defeat theContinue reading “2021-01-31 Sermon – If you love Me, you would…”
Today we pick up a sermon series in John we began last year and look at John 14:1-14. Following on from last week’s sermon and Jesus’ teaching on preparedness and not to worry, we look at how we can begin to learn how to control our emotions. A divided heart that has been taught toContinue reading “2021-01-24 Sermon – An Undivided Heart”
Over the break I have been reflecting on God’s perfect timing. Thinking about God’s timing brings up many questions for us in our Christian journey. Join me as I unpack the differences between our timing and God’s timing and how we can move into a better place in our daily walk with Jesus.
Today Robyn Mellar-Smith brings a message on Faith in everyday life drawing in Romans 5:1-11. Through Faith in Christ, we belong to God and it is by having our identity and belonging in Christ that we can face the trials in our everyday faith journeys.
This Sunday we hear from guest speaker Brian Krum who is the Baptist Youth Team Leader. Brian brings us a sermon on the subject of Faith. It is such an important topic for us to hear as we leave behind 2020 and usher in 2021. Last year took a tremendous amount of faith to getContinue reading “2021-01-03 Sermon – Faith”
In our service this morning, Neville brings a message on planning for the future. What do walnut trees and sheep have to do with the Christian walk? Tune in to find out!
The day has finally arrived, its Christmas! Once again we are able to reflect on the great love God has for us in sending His Son. It is an extraordinary story and yet quite similar to our own. In today’s sermon we look at how an event that happened over two thousand years ago isContinue reading “2020-12-25 Sermon – Christmas 2020”
This is the fourth Sunday of Advent and our theme is love. What is love and what are its characteristics? Today we focus on the greatest expression of love, the gift of the Son. Only God can love us perfectly and once we experience that love it transforms us and we become people of thisContinue reading “2020-12-20 Sermon – Love”
Today is the third Sunday of Advent and we focus on the theme of Joy. There is a difference between worldly Joy and Godly Joy. In today’s sermon we learn how to tell the difference and how to access the fulness of Joy God promises.
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12 July 2020 In the Gospel of John, chapter 7, Jesus goes up to Jerusalem to attend the festival of Tabernacles. But He does not travel with His brothers. He goes up in His own time, travelling alone because He knows the Father will always be at His side and He has in mind the timing of God, not of man. Join us as we discern the lessons we can learn from Jesus in this chapter. Let us choose to journey with Jesus, and prioritize God’s will and His schedule above that of the world, so we can also be Unhurried and Unafraid.
5 July 2020 In the gospel of John, chapter 6, we read the popular account of the miraculous Feeding of the Five Thousand, followed by Jesus’ teaching on the Bread of Life. Join us today as we discover the meaning of Jesus’ teaching together, using our “Son” glasses to discern the spiritual truths in this passage.
28 June 2020 This week we look at the Gospel of John chapter 5:18-47. Jesus answers the accusations by the Jewish leaders that He was breaking the Sabbath and making Himself equal to God. We look at the ways in which Jesus illustrates that the Son is like the Father.
21 June 2020 This Sunday we compare and contrast the healing of the lame man at the pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-17) to that of the blind man in John chapter 9. What are the similarities and differences in these two healing events? Although Jesus extends the same love and grace to both men, the one has an open heart towards believing in Jesus while the other one’s heart was blind. Join us today as we consider what we can learn from these two remarkable events.
14 June 2020 In this week’s sermon we see how different people respond to Jesus. We want to be people who respond to Jesus in praise because of who He is, not only because of what He does for us. We want to be people that take Jesus at His Word. (John 4:43-54)
7 June 2020 A Samaritan woman encounters Jesus at a well. She finds a man who knows everything about her life, and Jesus declares to her that He is the Messiah. We learn what it means to worship in spirit and in truth, and how we should all own our own faith. Join us today in celebrating the Lord’s supper after the sermon.
31 May 2020 This week we look at the final portion of the Gospel of John chapter 3. In verses 22 to 36, John testifies again about Jesus. We can learn much from John’s ministry; Repentance, Following Jesus in Obedience, and finally, letting Jesus Lead the way, we can echo the words of John in verse 30; “He must become greater; I must become less” as we journey towards our final goal; Eternal life in Christ Jesus.
24 May 2020 We continue with our journey through the Gospel of John this week. Join us as we look at Jesus’ remarkable dialogue with Nicodemus, a Pharisee and leader of the Jews.
17 May 2020 Continuing with our sermon series on the Gospel of John, this Sunday we read the account of Jesus clearing the temple courts (John 2:13-25). This account has profound significance for us today, both in our individual faith journeys as disciples, and also corporately as members of the Church, the body of Christ.
10 May 2020 The fourth installment of our series on the Gospel of John brings us to the account of the Wedding at Cana. Join Jesus and His mother for an event that will change the course of history. The symbolism is vast and still pertinent for us today.
3 May 2020 As we continue our journey through the Gospel of John, we look at the last part of Chapter 1, where the disciples have their first encounter with Jesus. The similarities between their stories and ours are remarkable. Join us as we share communion together at the end of the sermon.
26 April 2020 This Sunday we continue with our sermon series on the Gospel of John. In John 1:19-34, the emphasis is on John the Baptist’s testimony about Jesus. But just who is John the Baptist, and what can we learn from him as believers today?
19 April 2020 This week we begin a new sermon series on the gospel of John. We begin with a heavenly announcement that reveals Jesus as the Word, eternally existing with the Father, and who was made flesh and dwelt among us, bringing His life, light, grace and truth to humanity.
13 April 2020 This Sunday, we look at the resurrection experiences from the perspectives of Mary, Peter and John. May they inspire us and encourage us in our own walk of faith.
10 April 2020 This Good Friday, join us in the garden as we encounter Jesus in the final hours of freedom before the cross. May the story of Easter impact each and every one of us afresh. and inspire us to follow in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ.
5 April 2020 Welcome to Holy Week. In this week’s sermon, we focus on events leading up to and including the Last Supper. Join us for communion during the service.
29 March 2020 This Sunday we begin our journey to Easter. Reading from Mark 11:1-14, we look at Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and the extraordinary incident of the cursing of the fig tree. What is the meaning behind these events? Laurie explains the cultural and historical underpinnings that can enrich our understanding of these events in the life of our King and Saviour, Jesus.
22 March 2020 This is the final sermon in our series on Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians. In 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28, Paul provides final instructions to the Thessalonians on how to live as disciples of Jesus while they await the Lord’s return. He deals with practical ways in which we can love our neighbors and also how we can love God.
15 March 2020 In this sermon, Laurie talks about Paul’s first letter to the church in Thessalonica. The scripture reading is from 1 Thessalonians 4:13 to 5:11. Paul encourages the church to comfort each other with the coming of the Lord and to walk in hope.
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